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When constructing a new house the Fire and Rescue Service would wish you to consider fitting additional fire safety measures for the best protection of the people who will live in the new property.
Statistics show that individuals have a one in five chance of being in a dwelling fire in their lifetime and that domestic dwelling fires account for over 75% of all fire related deaths in the UK.
There are two types of improvement we would wish you to consider:
(1) Fire Suppression Systems; and
(2) Upgraded Smoke Detection
1. Fire Suppression Systems
Ultimately the Fire Service would wish to see every new house built with residential sprinklers installed.
These are the greatest protection against fire currently available, because they detect, give an alarm and attack the fire. Worldwide, Water Suppression Systems have a 99.7% success rate. Because they attack a fire early, houses which are protected with Fire Suppressions Systems need fewer repairs after a fire. The cost of installing such a system during construction is approximately 2% of the cost of building or about £1 per square foot.
Further information on installing residential sprinklers can be obtained from:
The Residential Sprinkler Association
Park Court
Brimpton
Reading
Berks
RG7 4ST
Tel: 01189 712322
2. Upgraded Smoke Detection
The current minimum standard of fire detection required to comply with the Technical Standards of the Building Regulations provides an alarm of fire only when smoke reaches the escape routes. This gives the minimum possible escape time to your family and yourself. It may not give alarm to those sleeping in a room where fire starts.
The Fire and Rescue Service believes that smoke detectors should be fitted in all living areas, bedrooms, halls and landings, with the exception of kitchens and bathrooms. This system will give you the earliest possible alarm of fire and the best opportunity to escape. However, it will not fight the fire.
The system should be powered by mains electricity, with a battery back-up power supply and be interlinked so that one detector sensing smoke will sound all the others.
This system, known in the electrical trade as British Standard BS5839, Part 6: LD2, can be most economically installed when the house is being built.
We hope that you will adopt our advice and incorporate enhanced safety systems in the construction of your new home. When your home is completed you should have a fire escape plan and ensure it is known by your family and visitors.
Why not contact us Free on 08000 12 13 12 and ask for a Free Home Fire Safety Check? Alternatively, you can visit our Community Safety page.
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